24 Hours in Marrakech

I love Marrakech—it’s a bit of a “marmite” city; you either adore its chaotic energy or find it overwhelming. The constant hum of traffic, the countless mopeds weaving through the streets, and the crowds of both locals and tourists in the Medina create an atmosphere that’s nothing short of electric. For me, it’s the vibrancy that draws me in—the ancient history, the intoxicating mix of sights and smells in Jemaa el-Fnaa, the beauty of Majorelle Garden, and the colourful souks and spice markets.

On my most recent trip in January, I arrived on a Saturday afternoon. Marrakech has no shortage of places to stay, but my top tip is to book a riad—a traditional Moroccan house with an internal courtyard—either within the Medina (the historic old town) or on its edge. I opted for the latter, staying at Riad D’ari, which I booked via Booking.com.

Riad D’Ari is perfectly located opposite the city walls, just a 10-minute walk from Jemaa el-Fnaa. Each suite is beautifully designed, blending modern style with traditional Moroccan décor. Breakfast was included and was delicious, freshly prepared by Khalid himself. It included eggs, local bread, cakes, coffee, and fresh juice—the perfect start to a day of exploring.

Travel Tip: Before my arrival, Khalid, the riad’s manager, messaged me via Booking.com to suggest arranging an airport taxi and guide to the riad. At €20 each way, I highly recommend this option—navigating the Medina’s labyrinth of narrow alleys can be stressful, and having a guide takes the hassle out of finding your accommodation.

Majorelle Garden & Yves Saint Laurent Museum

I had pre-booked tickets to the Majorelle Garden & Yves Saint Laurent Museum, which I highly recommend as entry times are limited, and the queues can be enormous. The gardens, originally created by artist Jacques Majorelle and later restored by Yves Saint Laurent, are one of the most tranquil and visually stunning spots in Marrakech. The museum showcases Saint Laurent’s designs and highlights how Morocco, particularly Marrakech, influenced his work.

Exploring the Medina & Souks

On the way back to the riad, I wandered through the Medina’s winding lanes, stopping at various souks. While haggling is part of the charm, I quickly learned that most sellers have standard prices, and there isn’t as much room for negotiation as you might expect. There’s a vast selection of goods, but my top recommendations for shopping are:

• Ceramics – Beautifully crafted and reasonably priced.

• Bags & woven textiles – From shawls to cushion covers and throws.

• Avoid leather goods – While babouches (traditional leather slippers) look gorgeous, they often retain a strong leather smell that’s far more noticeable once you get them home. Sensory overload can mask this while you’re in the market!

Rooftop Terraces & Nightlife

Marrakech has amazing rooftop terraces where you can sip a cocktail and watch the sunset over the city. My top picks:

• Kabana
  Touted as the trendiest rooftop terrace in the Medina, just a 5-minute walk from Riad D’ari. It serves excellent cocktails and a fusion menu blending Latin, Asian, and Mediterranean flavours. Open from 11:00 AM to 2:00 AM, it’s great for brunch, lunch, or dinner. Book ahead—it’s busy, especially on weekends when they host live DJ sets, jazz nights, and Latin music performances.

• Al Fassia Guéliz
  Renowned for serving authentic Moroccan cuisine, Al Fassia is unique in that it’s run entirely by women, from the kitchen staff to the servers. Established in 1987 and owned by three sisters, the name means “Women of Fez.” Located in the modern district of Guéliz, it’s easily reached by taxi and offers a glimpse of Marrakech’s contemporary side.

• El Fenn
  A luxury boutique hotel with a stunning rooftop terrace, perfect for brunch, lunch, dinner, or just cocktails. It’s very popular, so booking is essential. It’s also rumoured that Madonna rented out the entire riad for her 60th birthday party—just saying! Bonus: There’s also a high-end boutique shop selling beautiful (but pricey) homeware and accessories.

Sunday Morning – Spice Souk & Café des Épices

Determined to visit the spice souk, I headed back into the Medina. Just ask for directions, and you’ll pop out into Rahba Kedima, or Spice Square, an open-air market lined with cafés and spice stalls. I always stock up on cinnamon, turmeric, and dried chillies, buying whole spices and blending them at home in my NutriBullet (though it probably ruins the machine!).

After shopping, make sure to visit Café des Épices, a great spot to relax away from the crowds and enjoy a fresh juice, coffee, or a light meal while people-watching.

Leaving Marrakech

We only had 24 hours on this trip as we were heading to Essaouira by road. If you’re unsure about Marrakech or are only using it as an entry point for exploring Morocco—whether it’s the Atlas Mountains, Essaouira, or the Sahara Desert—I urge you to spend at least 24 hours in the city.

You might just fall in love with it.

 Have you been to Marrakech? What were your highlights, and do you have any must-visit recommendations? Drop them in the comments—we’d love to hear!